KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For almost an hour Friday night, DJ Deja Blu told the crowd inside the Uptown Theater about an up-and-coming performer. Blu used two names for the hip-hop artist, his legal name and his stage name.

At 9:59 p.m., Dwayne Bowe, holding a black microphone in his right hand, emerged on stage.

“KANSAS CITY!” Blu shouted. “Give it up for MONEY BO!”

With the modest crowd roaring, Bowe bounced to the front of the stage and began rapping. He was accompanied by four women who danced suggestively alongside him to the quick, heavy beat. Bowe pointed to the crowd and flashed his diamonds — his large diamond necklace, his diamond bracelets and a big watch covered in white diamonds.

With the name of Money Bo, Bowe did his best to explain, engage and entertain the audience with the story of his lifestyle through his lyrics. He wanted the first major performance of his new career to be in Kansas City, with the hopes of being received...

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